Chapter 1.5

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Vocabulary:

Plates: separate sections of the lithosphere that are broken into pieces
Scientific Theory: a well tested concept that explains a wide range of observations
Plate Tectonics: the geological theory that states that pieces of the Earth's lithosphere are in a constant, slow-motion, driven by conduction currents in the Mantle
Faults: break in Earth's crust where rock have slipped past each other
Transfer Boundary: a boundary where two plates slip past each other, making a fault
Divergent Boundary: a boundary where two plates move apart, making a rift valley
Rift Valley: the area where it is between a divergent boundary
Convergent Boundary: a boundary where two plates crash into each other, creating a mountains

Outline

Theory of Plate Tectonics

• The Theory of Plate Motion
  • Wilson observed cracks in lithosphere
  • Wilson combined sea-floor spreading, subduction, and continental drift
• Plate Boundaries
  • Transform Boundary
    • No building or destruction of rock
    • Rock slips past each other
  • Divergent Boundary
    • Where two plates move apart
    • Product is rift valley
  • Convergent Boundary
    • Where two plates collide
    • May cause product of mountains or subduction
  • The Continents Slow Dance
    • Plates move one to ten centimeters per year